National Two South

Taunton Titans 76 Cornish All Blacks 5

NICK Mason scored five tries as Taunton Titans bounced back from their recent dip in form in style, with a 76-5 demolition of basement side, Cornish All Blacks, writes Keith Brooking. 

The Cornishmen All felt the full force of the Titans' recent frustrations, as the hosts ran in 12 tries to inflict the heaviest defeat of the season on the already relegated team.

The Titans were on the attack from the start but some resolute defence from the visitors kept them out.

However, after eight minutes number eight Sam Prior was held up over the line and from the resulting scrum and several thrusts to the line, hooker Jon Gatford forced himself over for the try.

Gary Kingdom added the conversion, as he did for the second try five minutes later scored by prop Alec Chase.

Returning centre Matt Tichias was next on the score sheet having been away with the Royal Navy rugby, which Kingdom converted to give the Titans a 21–0 lead after just 18 minutes.

Taunton then bagged the fourth and bonus-point try courtesy of Tichias' midfield partner, Nick Mason, before captain Jamie Fleming went over with Kingdom converting the latter.

Mason then ran in the Titans' sixth try on the half hour mark, before the All Blacks had their best period of the game.

In the Taunton 22, CAB’s had a lineout 10 metres out and mauled it close to the Titans' try line.

When they were stopped just short, they started the maul again for second row Ben Hilton to go over for a rare try on the half-time whistle.

Rather than take their foot off the pedal, the Titans came out firing and scored from the first attack, with Mason getting his hat-trick try.

Then winger Freddie Fraser got in on the act, going over for the first of two after a great offload by Gary Kingdom.

His second after another great offload, this time from the unexpected source of prop Alec Chase.

Kingdom converted all three of these tries before becoming provider for the next two.

When the Titans were on the attack, Kingdom stepped into fly-half and sent a great cross-field kick which was gathered by Mason, now playing on the wing, to race in from the 22 metre line.

Kingdom then repeated the feat and Mason collected once again, but this time on the half-way line to race in for his fifth try of the game.

The Titans finished the game off by scoring with the last play through the industrious Stuart Persey, with Kingdom adding the extras.